Ryan Mason is embarking on a new chapter in his career, ready to make his mark as the head coach of West Bromwich Albion. The 33-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Championship club, marking his first permanent managerial role after a journey that saw his playing career cut short due to a severe head injury. Mason's appointment comes after Tony Mowbray's departure from West Brom in April, with the club finishing outside the play-off places last season.

Mason's path to management is unique. A promising midfielder, he progressed through the Tottenham Hotspur academy, earning recognition at both club and international levels. However, a fractured skull sustained in a match against Chelsea in 2017 forced him to retire from professional football at the young age of 26. Undeterred, Mason transitioned into coaching, rejoining Tottenham's academy in 2018. His dedication and understanding of the game quickly propelled him through the coaching ranks.

At Tottenham, Mason gained experience under several high-profile managers, including Mauricio Pochettino, José Mourinho, Antonio Conte, and Ange Postecoglou. He also twice served as interim head coach for Spurs, first in 2021 and again in 2023. Notably, his first stint made him the youngest manager in Premier League history at just 29 years old. During his time as interim manager, Mason demonstrated his ability to lead, securing important wins and earning the respect of players and colleagues. In the 2024/2025 season, he was part of the coaching team that helped Tottenham win the UEFA Europa League.

Now at West Brom, Mason is eager to implement his own vision and create a winning culture. He recognizes the club's rich history, fantastic infrastructure, and passionate fanbase, and is excited about the potential to achieve success together. Mason brings a wealth of enthusiasm, dedication, and ambition to the role, and is committed to establishing elite standards in both preparation and player development. Andrew Nestor, West Brom's sporting director, highlighted the alignment between Mason and the club's hierarchy in terms of playing style, squad planning, and organizational processes, making him the ideal candidate for the job. Nigel Gibbs joins West Brom as assistant head coach, with Sam Pooley arriving from Rangers as first-team coach and head of performance.

While Mason's appointment might be seen as a gamble due to his relative inexperience, West Brom's decision-makers are confident in his abilities. His background at Tottenham has exposed him to the best practices in football, and his previous interim managerial roles have provided valuable experience in leading a team. Former West Brom manager Tony Pulis has also spoken positively about Mason's coaching abilities. Mason himself feels ready for the challenge, stating that he has been preparing for a senior management role for some time. He is determined to write his own script at West Brom and guide the club back to the Premier League.